Chapter 143
Chase(2)
After watching the scene unfold for a few tense seconds, IAM spoke calmly but with clear insight. "From what I can tell those guys are pressuring the smaller group by using the Hope Academy's name, but they are not completely toothless. Most of them have formed an Avien so the likelihood is that they are from another academy... I'm not sure if it is to rob them or drag the academy's reputation down—"
Henry interrupted with no patience for speculation, his voice was resolute. "I don't care what the reason is, all I can see is that those guys are bullying them and that's all I need to know."
He took a step forward, ready to act, but IAM was faster. He reached out and grabbed Henry's shoulder firmly, pulling him back before he could move further.
"You're usually not like this," IAM whispered, eyes locking with Henry's. "You're more calm and chill but I guess you are the type to flip out at any injustice."
Henry moved IAM's hand off his shoulder with a slight shrug, his expression hardened. "So, what about it? Look at their faces. They need help. What is the point of being an ascender if I can't help people?"
IAM tilted his head, considering Henry's words carefully. "I'm not stopping you. It's just that while I know you are supposed to be a genius, it's not exactly like you have reached your potential yet. You can't take on fifteen people by yourself."
Henry's eyes narrowed with determination. "I'm not going to take them on myself. You guys are going to help me," he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
IAM frowned, brows drawing closer. "Help? We don't even know each other's paths, style of fighting, weaknesses and strengths. We have never fought together before either."
"Does it matter?" Henry whispered back, his voice low and challenging.
IAM's reply was firm, "Of course it does. And besides, I have no way of attacking people without potentially severely injuring them or worse, and I have no confidence in being able to take on more than one person in a fight. I'll be useless."
Henry's eyes sharpened, frustration clear on his face. "You sure talk a lot, IAM, 'cause all I hear are excuses and... I hate excuses."
IAM fell silent.
Reuel, sensing the tension rising, whispered nervously, "Hey guys, let's not fight... okay?"
IAM glanced at him sharply. "Are you going to help him?"
Reuel paused, awkwardly scratching the back of his head. "I don't mind helping... But... I do see your point too so... uh..." His eyes darted nervously, looking for the right answer he didn't have.
IAM looked to Yohan, who gave a simple nod of agreement.
Henry exhaled deeply. "Whether you are going to help or not, I'm not going to abandon those people."
IAM grabbed Henry's shoulder again as he started turning toward the group.
"What are you doing, get—" Henry began angrily before IAM cut him off.
He put a finger to his own lips, his were eyes dark and deep. "Shhhh."
...
The harsh voice of one of the bullies cut through the air.
"Hey, hey, hey, empty your wallets now," the lead thug snarled, his voice low and threatening. "If I find even one bronze coin not handed over, I'm going to break this little shit's back." His grip tightened cruelly on the trembling boy beside him.
The smaller group, five in total — two boys and three girls — looked utterly terrified. Most of them were pressed against the grimy alley walls, their eyes wide with fear. The boy with the thug's hand clenched tightly around his arm was visibly shaking, his breaths shallow and rapid.
"Wait! Stop it, we'll comply—just don't hurt him," one of the girls pleaded, fumbling through her pockets and urging her companions to do the same.
Slowly and hesitantly, the others began to follow her lead, patting down their clothes and pulling out whatever coins they had. Their hands trembled as they passed the contents to the thug and his men, hoping their compliance would spare them further harm.
Laughter bubbled up from the group of aggressor. "Look at these little pets, so pathetic," one sneered, kicking a small rock at their feet. "Bet they didn't even think twice about how easy they'd be to clean out."
A fresh wave of laughter erupted from the circle surrounding them—it was mocking and loud, echoing off the narrow alley walls.
Suddenly, a new voice interrupted the chaos.
"Oho, what's going on over here?"
Heads turned sharply to see a medium-height man stepping into the alley. His porcelain skin contrasted sharply with his modern mullet, the front strands dyed a striking blue. He wore a blue and white patterned shirt, black trousers, and matching blue shoes. On his wrist, a watch gleamed quietly.
It was Reuel.
A smirk played on his lips, the kind meant to annoy anyone who met his gaze.
One of the boys in the fake uniform stepped forward, spitting disdainfully onto the ground.
"Hey, this ain't none of your business. I suggest you keep going on your way. After all, can't you see the badge?" He smirked, tapping the fake badge pinned to his chest with a cocky confidence.
Reuel leaned in, squinting as if struggling to see. "Oh really? Can I see that a little closer? It's a little far for my eyes... I'm getting old, you see."
The bully's irritation flared as he barked, "I don't care how old you are, get out of here! This badge belongs to the prestigious Hope Academy. Do you now understand who you're messing with?"
Reuel gasped in mock shock and took a step back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"The prestigious Hope Academy! Really? The same Hope Academy that I know?"
"Of course. Now scram."
Reuel exploded into maniacal laughter, bending over and clutching his stomach like it hurt to contain his amusement.
Confusion and unease washed over the crowd watching him.
When Reuel finally straightened, his evil grin widened even more.
"So you guys are part of the Hope Academy, huh... You guys must not be all that, seeing you couldn't even secure a sponsor on your uniforms...You useless pieces of shit."